Moving day can often be chaotic if you’re a pet owner. Aquariums, in particular, can be a bit challenging to move if you’ve never done so before. To help prepare you for the big move and keep your fish safe throughout the entire journey, here’s a helpful guide.

Prep the Containers for Your Fish in Advance

Your main concern when moving an aquarium will be keeping your fish safe. To do this, you’re going to want to have a sturdy case or cooler handy for moving day. If you have larger fish, you may consider large buckets.

You’ll also want to purchase some supplies, such as a fishnet, a siphon hose, bubble wrap, duct tape, and packing paper to help facilitate the move. Fill your containers with tank water and then place the fish inside, adding no more than three to four fish per container; seal them to prevent spillage during the move.

Clean & Clear Out the Tank

Once all of your fish have been safely transferred, you’ll want to pack up all of the remaining items in the tank. Start by unplugging it and any electronic accessories. If you have any aquarium plants, move them over to another place, such as a bucket with water. All other décor should be washed, dried, and safely packed. Wrap delicate items in bubble wrap to avoid damage or breakage during the move. You’ll also need to pack up aquarium equipment, keeping the filter in a sealed container where it can retain some dampness.

Once all the items are removed, it’s time to drain the tank. Start by laying down towels in case of spillage. If you’ll be using a hose, dip one end into the tank and fill the other end with tap water. After a few moments, cease filling the tap side and let it drain. As it drains, it will continue to remove water from the tank. If you have a gravel cleaner, submerge the intake side fully, repositioning it periodically as it drains.

Transport It With Care

After everything has been properly packed, you’ll want to ensure the aquarium, fish, and accessories are handled with care during the move. If you’re unable to transport them in your own vehicle, clearly communicate your needs to your movers. As these items are fragile, they’ll need to be handled with care, particularly during the loading process.

If you’re moving, Hercules Moving & Storage will help you relocate in a stress-free manner. Proudly serving the greater Cincinnati, OH, area, this full-service moving company specializes in both residential and commercial relocation. With highly trained, long-term employees, these home and office movers pride themselves on reliability, dependability, and efficiency. To request a free estimate, give them a call today at (513) 251-2593 or visit them online for more information.